I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 1: The Accidental Fiancée
[Duke Aedrian’s Study — Late Night]
Elysia Verdan
That was intense.
Elysia Verdan
I thought Lady Vivienne was going to rip me apart with her eyes.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She suspects something.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She always does.
Elysia Verdan
And here I thought nobles just drank tea and gossiped. Turns out, they’re more like hungry wolves.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*amused* You’re quick to observe.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
That will serve you well.
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Well, I have to be quick. One wrong step, and your enemies will eat me alive.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*serious* That is not an exaggeration.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Some of my enemies do not hesitate to eliminate obstacles.
Elysia Verdan
Great. Wonderful. I feel so safe.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If you are afraid, you can leave.
Elysia Verdan
And go back to dodging debt collectors?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then stay close to me. *softly*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*turning away*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Nothing. Get some rest.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Tomorrow, we have another engagement to attend.
[The Grand Winter Ball – The Royal Palace]
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* Why is everyone staring at me?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Because you’re with me.
Elysia Verdan
The terrifying, ruthless Ice Duke.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*raising an eyebrow* Are you afraid?
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Oh, terribly. Shaking in my shoes.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*chuckles softly*
Elysia Verdan
Did you just—did you just laugh?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
No.
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* You totally did. I heard it.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Focus, Elysia
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Ah, the happy couple. How delightful.
Elysia Verdan
Lady Vivienne. You look stunning tonight.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* As do you.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Tell me, how did you and the Duke meet?
Elysia Verdan
*internally panicking*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It was fate.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*chuckling* Fate?
Elysia Verdan
A fateful encounter in the middle of a snowstorm. Very dramatic.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*intrigued* How romantic.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
And yet… you seem so different from the Duke.
Elysia Verdan
*laughing nervously* Opposites attract, right?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
We complement each other.
Elysia Verdan
*startled* Exactly.
Elysia Verdan
He’s cold, I’m warm. Perfect balance.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
I see. Well, enjoy the evening.
[Lady Vivienne walks away]
Elysia Verdan
*whispering* Did we pass the test?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Barely. Stay close to me.
Elysia Verdan
*rolling her eyes* You keep saying that.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
And yet you keep wandering. *lowering his voice*
Elysia Verdan
*mock gasp* Are you worried about me, Your Grace?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* I am worried about my investment.
Elysia Verdan
*grinning* Uh-huh. Sure.
Elysia Verdan
So, what happens if we get caught?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
We won’t.
Elysia Verdan
Wow, reassuring.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Do you regret signing the contract?
Elysia Verdan
*pausing* …I don’t know.
Elysia Verdan
It’s dangerous, sure. But at least I’m not running anymore.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*softly* No, you’re not.
Elysia Verdan
*smiling* And hey, being engaged to the Ice Duke isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*chuckles* You’re the first to say that.
Elysia Verdan
*playfully* Maybe I’ll be the last, too.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
…Perhaps.
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